EXCLUSIVE: Wilbert A. Mason is no longer Peter Island Resort Mgr
“BVI is by far, of all the Caribbean islands I’ve worked at, the product itself sells itself and for me, as I mentioned to someone last night, it has been one of the best stops I’ve had in my 23 years in the business,” said Mr Mason.
Asked to give his thoughts on how he has seen the tourism product grown or not over his seven years at Peter Island, Mr Mason noted that while the industry has grown, it is very critical that the people of the VI quickly change into a service mindset, especially as Cuba sets to take off.
The Service Culture
“I think one of the major things since the raw product of the BVI is there, what I think over the next couple of years is one of the major things that has happen is that we have to develop a service culture and a service culture will ensure that we get a return business in the future,” said Mr Mason.
He further stated, “Service culture will really ensure that we secure our business for tomorrow because if we don’t adapt the service culture mindset then guess what, someone else is going to eat our lunch, someone else somewhere, Cuba, eventually is going to open up sometime although if it's years ahead before it becomes a major competition for us, but we in the BVI right now have to change into a service mindset and ensure that the whole customer service experience is a great one because that will be the driving force of tomorrow’s economy.”
VI travel economy on the rebound
“I think that the numbers are getting better in terms of the overall arrivals into the BVI. I think since the whole economy is picking up you can see businesses and also in different hotels like in our hotel, are picketing the way. I think with that economy, things are on the rebound in terms of travel and I think it’s a good opportunity right now for the BVI to take advantage of what’s coming in terms of people now having confidence to start booking a vacation,” he said
In reflection, Mr Mason said that some three (3) years ago the booking window was much shorter. “Because someone would pick up and say okay 2 weeks out you don’t see me booking in a week and then you start to see me booking. Now, people are booking for next year, now people are booking 3 months ahead and that’s a good sign that people have confidence that the economy welcomes the booking act so it’s a good thing for the BVI,” he added
I wasn’t fired, I wasn’t forced out, I resigned
For the past week or so this news site was bombarded with calls from Peter Island Resort’s employees and the man on the street alleging that Mr Mason was fired. For the most part they expressed happiness at such but as it came from the mouth of Mr Mason, he has resigned from the post to take up a better opportunity offered to him in another Caribbean destination.
“Yes, I’ve resigned. I know there have been a lot of rumors saying that “he got fired” or whatever it is but I resigned. I’m going to take another great opportunity in another Caribbean island. It’s bitter-sweet leaving here but the opportunity comes sometimes once, so take hold of it and see what’s out there,” said Mason. He also expressed thanks to the management and staff of Peter Island Resort for their support over the years.
“I’m not saying it was the perfect work situation at all times but overall I think being able to connect with the local community, connect with the staff and just really ensure that the guests experience was a phenomenal one, for me this was a wonderful experience. It will go down as one of the many places that I actually would go back to if the opportunity arises itself, period,” he added.
I ‘WILL’ push you
In response to questions of him not being a very likable person, especially by the locals, Mr Mason said “The whole goal is to change. To change a service culture takes time and it takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love because the people that you’re trying to help to see the service aspect of their job, they may think that it’s because the person doesn’t like them but it has nothing to do with that, it has to do with that I know you can do better and I’m going to push you until you get to that point where you achieve some level of excellence.”
He added, “I’m sad to say that to be successful in any business you have to understand human psychology and I think when I came here to the BVI one of my goals was to basically bridge the gap between Peter Island and the local community and I think I was able to bridge that gap whether it was a charity event or something else, but one of my focus was really to ensure that Peter Island is part of the community. You cannot have a successful business if you’re not part of the community efforts and I was able to bridge those gaps.”
First Black to be General Manager at Peter Island Resort
Research has shown that indeed Mr Mason was the first black person to hold the position of General Manager at Peter Island Resort; it’s something persons recognised as a major and historic achievement.
Asked about his view about attaining such recognition, Mr Mason said, “To put it as being the first black guy I didn’t see it that way. I see it as to be a General Manager here. I didn’t put it into any quantified race. It feels good to have the opportunity to run Peter Island’s innocence. It’s a great product but in terms of equating to me being the first ‘black man’, no, for me it just an honour as a person.”
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26 Responses to “EXCLUSIVE: Wilbert A. Mason is no longer Peter Island Resort Mgr”
Some black subordinate staff makes life hard for the black man in position - they don't relate to black superiors like how they relate to white superiors and they expect more freebies when reporting to a black man
The black person in position has to sell himself harder - he can't afford to waffle his way through
Indians know how to fabricate events and they suck up (kiss a$$) well
Wish you all the best